On Thursday, the Eat Bulaga host downplayed the medical condition as "gawa-gawa lang" during a segment. This elicited mostly negative reactions from the public, including celebs and even his colleagues from the noontime show.

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Today, an apologetic De Leon addressed the issue, calling his comments a mistake.

He hopes his mistake will open the door to more discussion and raise awareness on the ilness.

And netizens felt the sincerity in De Leon's apology:

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The country has taken steps to inform the public about depression and related disorders. Last May, the Senate passed the Mental Health Act of 2017, for the "enhancing of integrated mental health services, promoting and protecting persons utilizing psychiatric, neurologic and psychosocial health services..."

The Department of Health has also joined forces with the National Center for Mental Health and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation to establish the "Hopeline Project"—a 24/7 hotline that aims to help "any individual who suffers from crisis and depression." It can be reached at (02) 804-HOPE (4673), 0917 558 HOPE (4673) and 2919 (toll-free number for all Globe and TM subscribers).